Jean Sibelius - Lemminkainen Suite, Pohjola’s Daughter (Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hannu Lintu) (2015) [DTS 2.0, 5.0|ISO|64/1|SACD-R] <Orchestral>

Amazon & SA-CD.net review by Luukas on 9 Jun. 2015:
Year 2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Jean Sibelius (1865– 1957). This SACD is the 1st disc of Lintu’s Sibelius Series what will contain all the composer’s major orchestral works. At the same time this is already the 2nd SACD of Sibelius’ “Lemminkäinen Suite”, Op. 22 – Vänskä’s interpretation with Lahti Symphony Orchestra (BIS1745) was the 1st.
PERFORMANCE (for Lemminkäinen Suite only):
Lintu’s tempi are mostly slower than Vänskä’s:
I. 15’09 (Vänskä), 15’56 (Lintu)
II. 9’17, 9’07
III. 16’14, 16’19
IV. 6’45, 6’31
In the 1st movement – Lemminkäinen & the Maidens of Island – Lintu underlines many beautiful melodies. He conducts peacefully – which is totally different than Vänskä’s powerful vision. The lively main theme is premeditated here – Lintu realizes the score’s dynamic markings carefully. Approach is traditional.
The 2nd movement – The Swan of Tuonela – sounds very touching here. The atmosphere is rather more comtemplative than melancholic.
The 3rd movement – Lemminkäinen in Tuonela – is the work’s the most dramatic section. The playing is more polished. Lintu has a long career with Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra & their teamwork is pleasant – again. The peaceful middle scene – “Molto lento” (bar 186) – is more thoughtful here. The movement’s last minutes are stunning: Sibelius added the bass drum’s dramatic stroke to the final version (bar 282) & here it is very impressing.
The last movement – Lemminkäinen’s return – is even better than Vänskä’s. Tempi are very fast – for example the last acceleration to the “Presto” section is breathtaking.
RECORDING:
The Mch mix (5.0) follows the normal allocation, there isn’t the additional subwoofer channel. Ondine’s principal engineer Enno Mäemets has done very good work at the Helsinki Music Centre. My subwoofer launched on during the 1st movement. It brought amazing dimension to the music. The crystal clear recording brought also many new instrumental details to the listener. For example the last movement’s piccolo was very clear.
RESULTS:
– Performance: ****1/2 (Traditional: the Vänskä’s recording is for you if you want a powerful fast interpretation)
– Recording: ***** (Outstanding)
– Packaging: ***** (Strong Jewel Case)
Wonderful disc for all Sibelians! This album must be in your library, definitely! I can hardly wait the next releases..
Other reviews:
Hannu Lintu sets out his stall with the opening of the 1st movement, Lemminkainen & the maidens on the Island : beautifully paced and shaped at a purposeful, not too slow pace, & finely played. Performance **** Recording ****
~BBC Music Magazine,July’15
With playing of refinement & vigour, & interpretations on a grand, symphonic scale, this is 1 of the most impressive versions of the 4 Legends in recent years. ****
~Classical Music,June’15